Main points seem to be that the installer has too many steps and asks too many questions as well as being "archaic" - I presume this was the graphical installer though he doesn't make it too clear.

"I think I was seeing various elements from three different desktop environment clash together, with old-new icons, old-new effects, all combined with little regard to the artistic arrangement. It works, but it's just not Monet, more like Dennis from downstairs. Still, as far as Linux desktops go, Vector manages to strike the perfect center of the Gaussian distribution. Indifference is the strongest emotion evoked in the first four minutes of your exploration. "

"Package management

This was my biggest disappointment with the distribution. I could not find one centralized tool to manage software. Instead, each sub-category has its own launcher. Then, some more appeal for users would be nice, too. "

So he missed Gslapt package manager

Also he didn't like that the weather app was set to a Canadian location...

Over all not good, but I suspect it suggests some minor tweeks we could have, maybe we need a first use wizard or read me with instructions on how to tweek the desktop at first use?

A review in MicroMart 9th 15th Feb (in the UK) - absolutely awful review - totally negative without giving specifics. Another review from an install using the live cd. The strapline under the heading Vector Linux 7 is:

This week David Hayward losses a little more hair, and reaches for the stout stick when faced with this awful linux distro".

Other than having a moan about the deluxe edition he concluded:

"We all have little niggles when trying out Linux distros, but after the install reboot, I had so many issues with this distro that I can't recall ever managing to use it for more than half an hour without something going drastically wrong. It was a catalog of errors that really shouldn't be present in a modern distro: failed booting, unable to open applications, distorted graphics... the list goes on. It's almost as if the developers couldn't be bothered to do a proper job with the free version and concentrated solely on the paid deluxe flavour. Of course, that's probably not the case, but considering you get a much better Linux experience from other lesser known distros. there's really no excuse for this slap-dash kind of build. Nevertheless, I persevered, but had an awful time doing so.

And Finally...My final moan: don't download. Vector Linux 7 has a long way to go before it can compete with any number of well produced distros around."

Their concluding paragraph:" Most of all, VectorLinux shows what developers can do when they have a clear goal in mind. Like Linux Mint, it takes a base distro and applies a layer of polish that adds immeasurably to the user experience".

Their concluding paragraph:" Most of all, VectorLinux shows what developers can do when they have a clear goal in mind. Like Linux Mint, it takes a base distro and applies a layer of polish that adds immeasurably to the user experience".

Outstanding. Do you know if we made it onto the disk they give with each magazine?